Fertilizer-spreader.



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APPLICATION FILED APR. 24. 1905.

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PATENTED JULY 10, 1906. J. H. JESSEN. FERTILIZER SPREADER.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 24. 1905.

SHEET 3- .spective 'view JOHN H. JESSEN, OF RENSSELAER. INDIANA.

FERTILIZER-SPREADER Specification of- Letters Patent.

Patented July 10,1906.

Application filed April 2*}.1905. Serial No. 257,203.

To (1 7 1 whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN H. J ESSEN, a citizen of the United States, residing in Itemselaer, county of J aspenandState of Indiana, am the inventor of certain new and useful Improvements in FertilizerSpreaders, of which the'following isa specification.

My invention relates to that class of fer-' main stationary with relation tothe box or receptacle when desired, means for driving and changing the speedof movement of such endless apron while the 'machine is in operation, a rigid bottom framework forming tracks for sup orting the apron and connected with the si e plates or side boards, so as to form a strong and rigid box, and suitable means for connecting such box and-apron operating mechanisms operatively with the supporting-wheels.

Other and further objects of the invention will appear from an examination of the drawings and the following descri tion and claims.

The invention consists in t e features, combinations, and details of construction hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 isa side elevation of a fertilizer-spreader constructed in accordance with my improvements with one of the rear supporting-Wheels removed; Fig. 2, a detail view in elevation of the spur-gear mechanism for driving or operating the apron; Fig. 3, a detail per- ,of a portion of a bracket for supporting the large gear-wheel shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4, a detai perspective view of the shaft and lever mechanism for su porting ano'throwing the large gear-wheel s own in Fig. 2 into and out of engagement with the driving-pinion, which is connected with the axle of the rear supporting-wheels; Fig. 5,.

a central transverse sectional elevation taken with means whereby the lower lap 0 on line5 of Fig.1 looking-in the direction of the arrow, showing the bottom framework with its track for supporting the upper lap of the apron, the apron antifriction-wheels being outside of the side plates or side boards and showing the tracks for su porting the lower lap of the apron and tiie trussed metallic slats of which the apron is formed; Fig. 6, an enlarged detail view, partly in section, showing the end casting of one of the slats and the manner of connecting the metallic slats thereto; Fig. 7, a detail sectional plan view, of the mechanism shown in Fig. 6, taken on line 7 of said figure looking in the direction of the arrow; Fig. 8, an enlarged detail view of my improved apron, the lower portion being in side elevation and the upper portion bein a longitudinal sectional view in elevation, ta 11 through the center of a portion 'of the apron; and Fig. 9, a detail perspective view of'one of the metallic end castings or links for supporting and connecting the slats of the apron and its antifriction-,' wheels.

In the art to which this invention relates it is verydesirable to provide an endless apron desirable to provide an apron formed of slats,

preferabl metallic slats, which are as light as ossib e consistent with the stresses to which they are subjected in use and sufliciently strong to support the load without being materially deflected or bent downward thereby. My improved spreader is iipvided t eendless ,apron will be supported upon suitable tracks by means of the same apron rollers 0r wheels which support such apron upon the load-supporting tracks and to provide end castings or links for the slats so connected with the slats and with the apron wheels or rollers as to minimize the transverse lay of the a ron and enable the slats to orm a tight ottom, while at the same time enabling the apron to be sufficiently flexible vertically to readily pass around the end sprockets or supports. I provide means for driving the apron, such apron-driving mechanism being connected operatively with the axle of the supporting-wheels and provided with means to site,

,. is, the pullingl for changing the-speed of movement of the I is sec'uredat each side of the bed, preferabl apron and for stopping itsrnovement when to the side sills a, bymeans of bolts or rivets desired while the machine is in operation. and mounted over the front axle g and -It is-desirable to properly brace the bed or front supportinge wheels 1", being firmly framework'and to make such framework and bracedby upwardly-inclined braces s and t, 70 supporting-tracks as rigid and as light as pos the lower. ends of which are connected disible.. The front-l axle should be provided reetly or indirectly with the front bolster or with fifth-whee'l mechanism which willpermit supporting-bracket and the upper ends of its op os'iteend'sto "move vertically in oppowhich are connected with the side sills. v ections without gdistortin or mate- The rear portion of the framework or box 75 rially affecting the position of the main frame above described is mounted upon a rotatable of the vehicleor interfering withtheturning rear axle 11,, having rear supporting-wheels v of the vehicle. he;tongue should be conmounted at each end thereofand in fixed renectedwith thevehiele'above theaxle,so that lation thereto. For this purpose a pair of strains will be communicated direar supporting 'side plates or de ending 8c rect ytot efi'anrework, relieving the axle of brackets w areprovided and secured to opsuch pulli'n'g strains toas great an extent as .posite sides of the bedor framework, preferpossible; I ably to the-side sills, so as to form a part of In constructing a' fertilizer-spreader in acthe framework. These rea'r 'supportingac cordance with improvements and adaptplates are provided with journal-bearings in 85- .ed to accoln lish the above objects I prowhich the rear axle is rotatably mounted and vide a'box or lied having a bottom frame conare also provided with depending bracket sisting. of metallic longitudinal f side sills a, portions y, each having a perforation 2 there- -ormed,- preferab1y,of angle-irons, havinginthrough 'for receiving a shaft 2, which sup 2 5 mgr-a1. uppe'r'inwardly-extending flange por- 'portsaspurgear-wheel 3 in operative engagec.

tions 1), adapted to form tracks for sup ortment with a driving spur-p nion 4, which is ing the 11 per lapof the travelin apron eremounted upon the rear rotatable axle and in ina'fte'r described. These longitudinal side fixed relatlon thereto. This gear mechansill members or tracks are connected at suitism is for the purpose of driving the endless '0, able-intervals by means of a plurality of "apron, and thereby gradually conveying the 95 -transverse bottom framr'e'members 0, formed, contents of the box or vehicle to the rear end preferably, of metal. For thisv urpose I em thereofito be there pulverized and spread by ploy sections of square ipeof t e desired size means ofa rotatable beater 5, having teeth 6, secured tothe'longitu I a1 side sills or tracks which rotate adjacent to the rear end of the 5 by means of-suitable metallic flanged socketapron, .being driven" in any ordinary or known roo castings d at eachjend -thereof,fhaving open: manner; Y .ings or sockets therein for receiving the ends In order to enable the-apron to be driven of the square pi e-jsections, such; castings in a 'ste'p by-step'mann'er and permit it to re being securedto tihe metallic side sills or rails main stationary when desired, the driven by means of suitable bolts e, which also. exspur-wheel 3 meshing with the main driv- ,105

tend, preferablyfthrough depending staysor lng' pinion 4, is rotatably'mounted upon a brackets),havinginwardly extendingflanges projecting eccentric shaft portion 8 of theg for'supporting' bottom tracks h, upon which shaft 2 ,already describec l, asqshown in Figs. the lower lapofthe a'pronj16 is mounted, as 1 and 4. The depending bearing portion 1 5 shoWninF-ig.5.

Flanged side stakes i,\pr.eferabl' ofvmetal, rovided with an inwar "-extending shoulin'the-form of channels are secure byfme'ans' der portion 9,.adapt'ed to engage shoulders of bolts 9' orin any ordinary-and well known 10 and 1,1, res 'ectively,0f such shaft, so as to. manner to' the longitudinal side sills or tracks sto the rotation thereof at the desired points,

' of thefmember which supports the shaft 2 is 1 lo I a, I and 9 side plateslc, preferably of sheet, an ,a jlever-arm- 12 is. mounted upon the 1 15 metal -aresecured to the innersides of such" shaft, referably upon the eccentric portion side stakes byzjmeans of-rivets anyordi thereof? and connected with an operatingnary 'and welleknown manner, suitable top}. lever '13 at the front end of the vehicle by I sidemembe'rs or rails Zbein'gformcd, prefers; means of a connecthig-rod-l i. Themoveably, of angle-irons, which extend-longitudh ment of the main operating lever 13 to the 120 nally of the bed from end't'oend thereof and "position shown inFig. 1 will throw the spurtogetherWith-the side'sills and side plates wheel3into gear orinto'position to meshwith form plate-girders. z the main driving-pinion i. Themovement of Asuitable end' plate m, preferably of. sheet -the-main operating-lever to the right from metalg-extendsacro'ss the front end of thebox the position shown in Fig.--11wi1l move the -le- 1 2'5 an'diisprovided with a to angle-iron'reen-v U ver 12 to the position shown-in- Figi-2, so "that forcing member 1;, exten' 'ng from'sidetof the gear-wheel be. out-of en,gagement side of thefoox. The front endis open'atits with the drivin pinion.

lowerportion for admitting the endlessapr'on. The stub-sh -2.'is provided with an 'en- Ametallic depending bracket or front bolster large'd inner end orhad1portion--:15,which 13c .;an upright vibrating holds it in lace in the sup orting bearing or bracket, suitable means, W ich may be of any ordinary well-known type, being rovided for retaining the spur-wheel 3 rotataflly in position upon the shaft.

The endless apron 16, herein elsewhere more particularly described, is mounted upon.

rear supporting-s rockets 17 which'are supported upon sha ts 18 in fixed relation to 'such sprockets, such shafts being rotatably mounted in brackets 19 upon the main frame. The rear portion of the endless apron is mounted upon similar s rockets 20, supported upon-a shaft 21 in ed relation to such shaft, and a ratchet-wheel 22 is mounted upon the shaft 21 in fixed relation thereto for rotating such shaft with'its sprocket, and thereby driving the endless apron. In order to operatively connect such ratchet-wheel and the endless apron with the main driving pinion or gear already described, the earwheel 3 is provided with a pit-man-ro 23,

pivotally mounted u on an eccentric stud or ver is pivotall mounted upon the side frame of the vehicle y means of a pivot 34.

The pivot portion 29 of the u per end of the vibrating lever 28 ahead described is slid-ably mounted in a verticaguide '35 between vertical flange or guard portions 36 and 37. A sliding block 38, provided with a perforation therethrough for loosely receiving the vibrating lever 28; is mounted upon such vibrating lever in slidable relation thereto, and a lever or connecting-pawl-o crating rod 39 has one end connected with t 's sliding block 38 and the other-end provided with a pawl 40 in engagementwith the'ratchet 22 already described, such lever or rod 39 being pivotall connected with a link 41, which is rotatab ymo'unted upon the shaft 21, which supports the ratchet-wheeh A two-arm lever 43 is pivotally mounted upon a pivot 44 and has its upper arm pivotally connected with the perforated block 38 already described and its lower arm pivotally connected with a lever or connecting pawl-operating rod 45, having a pawl 46 in engagement with the ratchet wheel 22, such' pawl-o erating rod bein pivotally connected wit ,a link 47 upon t e shafi 'gvhich su ports such ratchet-Wheel, I a

By this arrangement it be'seen that initial position by means 0 the rotation of the driving spur-pinion upon the rear axle will cause the rotation of the spurwheel 3 in the opposite direction. The parts being in the position shown in Fig. 1, the pitman 23 will move the vibrating lever 28 backward, causing the pawl 40 to rotate the ratchet- Wheel and drive the endless apron one step.

The return stroke of the pitman will move the bottom end of the vibrai-im lever 28 forward and drive the rod 45, with its pawl 46,

backward, thus rotating the ratchet wheel in the same direction as before, while the pawl 40 is being moved in the op osite direction to f the upper arm of the lever 43. A ste )-bystep motion is thus imparted to the endless apron. To regulate the length of each step of such movement, it

is only necessary to raise or lower the vibrating lever 28. When thepivotal point of this vibrating lever is raised to its hi hest position, the movement of-the sliding box 38 and a ron will be greatest, and the lowering of t e pivotal point 29 by the operation of the bell-crank lever 31 will reduce the distance traversed by the sliding box 38 at each step,

thus reducing the distance traversed by the endless apron at each ste This reduction of the movement of the vi rating lever 28 at the point Where it passes through the sliding blocks 38 may be carried to such a point that therewill not be sufficient movementof the pawls 40 and 46 tooperate the ratchet-wheel,

for the reason that the pivotal point 29 will be lowered almost to the level of the sliding block; When the vibrating lever is at its lowest point, the rotation of the gearing may be continued indefinitely, if desired, without causing any movement of the apron, and by raising the pivotal point of this vibrating lever the speed of the apron may be grad-. ually increased.

the movement of the apron may be entirely It will thus be seen that stopped, either by means of the operatinglever 13 or by means of the operating-lever 32, the latterv being employed for throwing the driving mechanism out of gear and the former for gradually increasing or decreasin the speed of' or stopping the movement 0 the apron. 1 Myimproved apron is made, preferably, entirely of metal consisting of metal slats 48, each having an up er web portion provided with curved depen ing side flanges 49 and 50 on each side thereof, the side flanges on one side beingooncave and on the other side con- Vex, so that the concave flange of each slat engages the adjacent convex flange of the next adjacent slat throughout the entire length ofthe apron and from end to end of the slats, forming a tight bottom portion for the vehicle. The extreme bottom edge of the concave flange of each slat should be at a sufficient distance from the adjacent conyex flange to provide the necessary fleiiibility to aprnn and permit it to pass readily around I i 0 the sprocket-Wheels which support it. The opposite ends of each slat are provided with an end casting 51, having an inwardly-extending flange 52, which extends under and supports the upper web portion of the'slat,

which is attached thereto by means of bolts 53. These end castings form links, which are pivotally connected to'each other, as shown in Fi s. 7 and 8. Each casting or link is providerI with a recess 54 on its inner side and a similar recess 55 on its outer side at opposite ends of such castings and with circular projecting end portions 5.6 and 57 on its inner and outer sides, respective] y, at opposite ends of the casting adapted to enter the recess of the next adjacent casting or link. The projecting end 57 of each casting or link is provided with :1 preferably integral lateral pivot or stud 58, having a perforation 59 therein, which extends transversely tl-irough the link for receiving a pin 60. Each of these perforated studs forms a trunnion for an apronsup-porting wheel or antifriction-roller 61.

he opposite projecting end portion 56 of each casting is provided with a perforation-62, through which extends the perforated pivot or stud 58 of the next adjacent casting or link, a pin or trunnion 60, with its whee-l 61, being secured to such perforated stud in the manner already described. Each of the metal slats is provided with a truss-rod 63,

which extends from end to end thereof, the opposite ends of each of such truss-rods be ing secured to the end castings of such slats by means of pins 64, which extend through loops in the ends of the truss-rods formed by bending the rods, as-indicated in Fig. 8, and upright struts in the form of metallic castings are secured to the upper slat portion by means of pivots 66 and to the truss-rods by means of perforations 67, through which-such truss-rods extend. By this arrangement it will be seen that the upper web portion of each of the metallic slats forms an upper-cord and the truss-rod a lower cord of a truss and that with the struts a light, rigid, and eflicient slat is thus afforded.

The antifriction-wheels or apron-wheels 61 are made of sufficient diameter so that when they are supporting the upper lap upon the main tracks they maintain the slats in movable position above the track and out of engagement therewith. and when they are passing over the lower tracks with the lower lap of the apron they aboveand out of engagement with such lower tracks: It is very desirable that rneans be provided for separating thescapron wheels or rollers from the contents of the box or rece tacle. In order to accomplish this, the sire plates or side ably of sheet met a1, as already described, have their lower edges 68 bent so as to extend downward and inward at an incline over the apron-wheels and over the ends of the in the maintain the lower slats.

boards, which are preferslats adjacent to and, if desired, in loose engagement with the upper surface thereof and cured thereto by means of bottom clips and U-bolts (not shown) and which may be .of

any ordinary andfWell-know-n construction.

This supporting casting or clip :69 is provided with a perforation extending therethrougwh at right angles to the axle to which it is secured for receiving a pivot-pin in the formof an eyebolt 73, and a supporting-plate 70, having perforated depending portions 71 and 72, is pivotally securedto such suplporting casting or clip by means of the eyebo t 73, which extends throughthe perforations in the supporting-plate and through the perforations casting 69 at right angles to the front axle. A top plate l73, having a lower horizontal' bearing-surface in engagement with the top horizontal bearing-surface of the ivoted supporting member 70, is rotatably mounted upon such pivoted sup orting-plate and provided with depending ugs 74, normally at right angles to the axle in engagement with the periphery of-t'he pivoted member. In other wordsythe front and rear lugs 74 are inalinement with the longitudinal and remain so notwithstanding the movement of the ends of thelfront axle in any d'i rcction. The depending lugs 74.0f the-to plate of the fifth-wheel above described eacli center of the framework or box of the vehicle have inwardly-extending shoulders in engagement with an annular recess 75 in the periphery of the pivoted member, and a king,- bolt (not shown) extends vertically through the center of the top plate and the supporting-casting or horizontall -perforated member of the fifth-wheel. T 1e top plate is connected with the framework by means of braces s and 15 already descri-bedand to the main supporting bracketor bolster by means of a connecting-bracket 76. By-t-his-arrange- T116111; it will be 'ends of the front axle may move vertically in readily' seen that the opposite opposite directions, such movement being permitted by the horizontal pivot or eyebol t' 7 3, which is firmly secured in place by means of a cotter-pin orany ordinary and wellknown means, and that the move'ment-o'fthe axle in a horizontal plane is permitted by the bearing-rings or rotatably connected top and pilvotled supporting members of the 'fifth-- w 166 means of a hook 77, the lower end of'whioh whenthe frontof the tongue is lowered to a side sills, metallic extends through the opening in the eyebolt' but such side-connections need not-be of suf- The tongue is secured to the fifth-wheelby and forward. a sufficient distance to prevent the removalof the tongue when-in raised po-- sition, but adapted to permit its removal level with the bottom of the supporting- Wlieelsl 'Side connections-may be provided in any ordinary and well-known form removably attached to the front axle, so as to' enable theaxle to be guided by the tonghe;

ficient weight to draw the load, as the weight of the load is substantially-drawn by means of the ton ue, which is directly connected with the fifth-wheel, as already described. a This enables a 1i hter axle to be used than I would'otherwise be necessary, as the axle is not required to sustain the stresses incident to drawing theload'a l lclaim g 1. In a fertilizer-spreader, the combination of longitudinal metallic side sills, metallie transverse members connected with such. side plates extending above the side sills, top side frame members means for connecting the top side frame members, the side plates top side frame members and side sills together forming side'- a plate girders, and brace-rods secured to the 3 sides of the framework and extending down- 1 ward at an incline below the side sills toward l the opposite ends thereof.

2. In a fertilizer-spreader, the combination of longitudinal side sills formed of angleirons extending longitudinally of the device and forming apron-supporting tracks, transverse bottom members connecting such longitudinel sills and forming therewith a bottom framework, metallic side plates extendl ing above and secured to such angle-iron tion of a receptacle for containing the ma- 'ing wheel mechanism provided with a rota- 4. I.n a fertilizer-spreader. the combine-ll each side sills, and brace-rods secured to the side sills and extending downward at an incline below such sills and toward the direction of the opposite ends thereof.

3. In a. fertilizer-spreader, the combinaterial to be operated upon, a movable endless apron forming a movable bottom for sucn receptacle, side frames, vehicle-supporttable axle in fixed relation therewith, gear mechanism mounted upon such axle, gear! mechanism movable into and out of engagement with the gear mechanism upon the l axle, a sliding bearing-box, apitman-rbd connectingsuch sliding bearing-box with the movable gear mechanism, lever mechanism 3 operatively connected with theapron, and

a vibrating lever connecting such aprondriving levei'ime'ehansm with the sliding box for operating and changing the speed of movement of the apron.

'cle, si e tion of a receptacle for containing the ma+ terial to be operated upon, a movable ends less apron forming a movable bottom for such receptacle, side frames, vehicle-supportin wheels, mechanism provided with a rotate le axle in fixed relation therewith,

gear mechanism mounted upon such axle,

- gear mechanism movable into and out of enr a O ment with the gear mechanism upon the ax e, a sliding bearing-box, a pitinan-rod connectingl such sliding bearing-box with the movab e gear mechanism, lever mechanism operatively connected with the apron, a vibrating lever connecting such apron-driving lever mechanism with the sliding box for ope'ratingand chan ing the speed of movement of the apron, an means or adjusting such vibrating lever.

5. In a fertilizer-s reader, the combination of a receptacle or containing the material to be operated upon,'a movable apron formin a movable bottom for-such rece taframes, vehicle-supporting W eel mechanism provided with a rotatable axle in fixed relation therewith, gear mechanism mounted upon such axle, gear mechanism movable into and out of engagement with the ear mechanism upon the axle, a sliding bearing-box, a itman-rod connecting such sliding bearing-hox-with the movable gear mechanism, lever mechanism op'eratively connected with the apron, a vibrating lever connecting such apron-driving lever meche anism with the sliding box for operating changing the speed of movement 0 apron, means for adjusting such vibrating lever, and means for throwing thegear mechanism into and out of operative position.

6. In a fertilizer-spreader, an apron having a multiplicity of slatsflexibly secured together each formed of an upper metallic compression member, a lower'metallic tension member, and intermediate strut portionsbetween such upper and lower members.

7. In a fertilizer-spreader, an apron'having a multiplicity of slats flexibly secured together eachformed of an upper metallic compression member, a lower metallic tension. member, intermediate ,strut portions between such upper and lower members, and apron-supporting wheels rotatably mounted at opposite ends of each of such slats and movable therewith.

8. In a fertilizer-spreader, an apron halving a multiplicity of metallic slats each provided with curved depending flanges, metallic end members connected with such flanged slat. portions pivotally connected together and each provided with a trunnion, and apronsupporting wheels rotatably mounted upon such trunnions.

and the 9. Inafertilizer-s reader, an'apron having metallic slats exten 10. In a fertilizer-spreader, an apron having metallic slats each provided with curved depending flange portions on the opposite sides thereof, end castings posite ends of each of such slats each pro vided with a trunnion. at one end and a perforation at its other end for receiving the i trunnion of-the next adjacent end. casting,

and apron supporting Wheels rotatably mounted upon each of such trunnions.

'11. In a fertilizer-spreader, an apron having a multiplicity of slats each provided with depending side flanges, end castings secured to opposite ends of each of such slats forming links for flexibly connecting and supporting the slats each of such links having a flange secured to the slat and being provided with wheels in place.

a pivoted trunnion at one end thereof and a perforation at the opposite end for receiving the trunnion of the next adjacent casting or link, apron-supporting Wheels rotatably mounted upon such trunnions, and headed pins extending through the perforated trunnions for holding such apron supporting 12. In a fertilizer-spreader, an apron having a multiplicity of metallic slats each provided with an integral-depending flange portion having an outwardly-curved surface on one side thereof, an integral depending flange portion having an inwardly-curved surface on the opposite side of such slat such flanges of each slat being adapted toengage the adjacent flanges of the next adjacent slat, and means for flexibly connecting such slats.

secured to the op- 13. In a fertilizenspreader, an apron having a multiplicity of metallic'slats each provided with an integral depending flange por. tion having an outwardly-curvmi surface on one side thereof, flange portion having an inwardly-curvei'l surface on the opposite side of such slat such flanges of each slat being adapted to engage the adjacent flanges of 'the slat, end castings for each of such slats provided with trunnions, and apron-supporting wheels rotatably mounted upon such trunnions of greater diameter than the thickness of such end castings and having peripheral portions extending above and below such castings for supporting the apron-slats in both inverted and upright positions.

14. In a fertilizer-spreader, an apron having a multiplicity of slats each provided with an out\i"ardlycurved side surface on one side thereof and inwardlycurved surface on the opposite side thereof each of such side surfaces being adapted to engage adjacent slats, and means for flexibly connecting such slats.

15, In a fertilizer-sprcader, an apron having a multiplicity of slats each provided with an outwardly-curved side surface on one side thereof and inwardly-cuwcd surface on the opposite side thereof each of such side surfaces being adapted to engage adjacent slats, end castings secured to each end of each an integral depending i next adjacent of such slats and pivot'ally connected together,

and 'supporting-wheels pivotally secured to such end castings and movable therewith.

JOHN H. JESSEN. Witnesses:

Ill-mm. l. CnoMER, NORMAN A. STREET. 

